System and method for mobile data expansion and pedestrian obstacle detection

ABSTRACT

A data expansion system that provides continuum of discrete wireless small cell coverage areas for electronic devices in vehicles includes a set of traffic control devices configured to provide communicate information regarding the presence of an obstruction in a vehicle or pedestrian path. The system includes a first traffic control device configured to communicate with an electronic device in a first vehicle. The system also includes a second traffic control device communicatively coupled to the first traffic control device. The second traffic control device is configured to detect a presence of an object. The second traffic control device also is configured to communicate the presence of the object to at least one of: a network controller, the first traffic control device, or another traffic control device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND CLAIMS OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 15/267,013 entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FORMOBILE DATA EXPANSION” and filed Sep. 15, 2016, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.14/876,673 entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOBILE DATA EXPANSION” andfiled Oct. 6, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,596,611, which is a continuationof U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/840,578 entitled“SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOBILE DATA EXPANSION” and filed Mar. 15, 2013,now U.S. Pat. No. 9,219,991, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/646,537 entitled “SYSTEMAND METHOD FOR MOBILE DATA EXPANSION” and filed on Oct. 5, 2012, nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,447,239, and claims priority through those applicationsto U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/668,867 entitled “SYSTEMAND METHOD FOR MOBILE DATA EXPANSION” and filed on Jul. 6, 2012. Thecontent of the above-identified patent documents is incorporated hereinby reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to mobile broadband dataservices, and more specifically to discrete WiFi hotspots for mobiledevices.

BACKGROUND

Wireless data communications are increasing in demand and popularity.Mobile devices use cellular data networks or small wireless fidelity(WiFi) networks (WiFi hotspots) to access broadband data services formobile devices. While cellular data networks provide a wider coverage,WiFi hotspots are capable of higher data transfer rates and lower powerusage at a lower cost. However, WiFi hotspots provide a limited coveragearea inhibiting use when the user is moving between locations.

SUMMARY

A system is provided. The system includes a first traffic control deviceconfigured to communicate with an electronic device in a first vehicle.The system also includes a second traffic control device communicativelycoupled to the first traffic control device. The second traffic controldevice is configured to detect a presence of an object. The secondtraffic control device also is configured to communicate the presence ofthe object to at least one of: a network controller, the first trafficcontrol device, or another traffic control device.

A method is provided. The method includes communicating, by a firsttraffic control device, with an electronic device in a first vehicle.The method also includes detecting, by a second traffic control devicecommunicatively coupled to the first traffic control device, a presenceof an object. The method further includes communicating, by the secondtraffic control device, the presence of the object to at least one of: anetwork controller, the first traffic control device, or another trafficcontrol device.

A roadway device is provided. The roadway device includes a transceiverconfigured to communicate with one or more electronic devices. Theroadway device also includes a communication interface configured tocommunicatively couple to at least one other roadway communicationdevice. The roadway device further includes processing circuitry. Theprocessing circuitry is configured to detect a presence of an object andcommunicate the presence of the object to at least one of: a networkcontroller, the first traffic control device, or another traffic controldevice. The roadway device further includes a housing configured tocontain the processing circuitry, communication interface and thewireless transceiver.

Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may beadvantageous to set forth definitions of certain words or phrases usedthroughout this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” aswell as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term“or” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases “associated with” and“associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean toinclude, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be containedwithin, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with,cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to orwith, have, have a property of, or the like; and the term “controller”means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least oneoperation, whether such a device is implemented in hardware, firmware,software or some combination of at least two of the same. It should benoted that the functionality associated with any particular controllermight be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely.Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout thispatent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understandthat such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior aswell as future uses of such defined words and phrases. While some termsmay include a wide variety of embodiments, the appended claims mayexpressly limit these terms to specific embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and theadvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptionstaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likenumbers designate like objects, and in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a small cell data expansion reflector (DER)according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate a data expansion device that includes asolar array panel according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a DER with a cylindrical housing according toembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3C illustrates a data expansion device configured as a roadwaymarker according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates selected electrical and electronic components of acontrol system inside a DER according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a string of DERs according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a network of DERs according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a process for providing mobile broadband data accessaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a DER providing mobile broadband access according toembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a DER system according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a network of DERs according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates a process for reporting vehicle velocity andidentification information according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 12 illustrates a process for reporting vehicle location andidentification information according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 13 illustrates a process for sequentially transmitting segments ofa data file to a mobile station based on projected geographical locationof the mobile station according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 14 illustrates a process for controlling traffic signals and safetydevices according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 15 illustrates a process for detecting and reporting objectsaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 through 15, discussed below, and the various embodiments used todescribe the principles of the present disclosure in this patentdocument are by way of illustration only and should not be construed inany way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the artwill understand that the principles of the present disclosure may beimplemented in any suitably arranged device. The numerous innovativeteachings of the present application will be described with reference toexemplary non-limiting embodiments.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a small cell data expansion roadway device(DER) according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Althoughcertain details will be provided with reference to the components of theDER, it should be understood that other embodiments may include more,less, or different components.

The DER 100 is a small cell device configured to provide a wirelesscommunication link between a mobile device and a backhaul network. TheDER 100 is adapted to couple to one or more mobile devices to enable themobile devices to send and receive information, such as data and controlsignals, to the backhaul network. As such, the DER 100 is configured toprovide one or more of: a wireless coverage area; a cellular coveragearea; a hotspot, such as a WiFi hotspot; and the like.

The DER 100 can be configured as a street surface reflector (also calleda surface marker, lane divider, road marker, and the like), such as aroad reflector, raised pavement marker, street reflector, road stud,pavement reflector, and roadway marker used for traffic control andsafety. In the example shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the DER 100 isconfigured as a roadway marker with a cylindrical housing configured todisposed in or on a roadway or pedestrian pathway. In certainembodiments, the DER 100 with a cylindrical housing is disposed in theroad surface such that a highest portion of the housing is substantiallyflush (i.e., within one centimeter) with the road surface.

In certain embodiments, the DER 100 includes one or more surfaces thatare comprised of a reflective material 120. For example, the DER housing110 includes a mounting surface, a top surface, and a plurality of sidesurfaces. In certain embodiments, the surfaces of the reflectivematerial include the plurality of side surfaces, the top surface, or acombination thereof. The DER 100 is made up of one or more of thereflective material, plastic, a ceramic, or other suitable materials. Incertain embodiments, only selected ones of the plurality of sidesurfaces and the top surface include the reflective material. That is,the portions of the DER 100 that are made of the reflective material areless than a whole portion. For example, in the example shown in FIGS. 1Aand 1B, two rectangular sides of the DER 100 include the reflectivematerial. In certain embodiments, the DER 100 housing can be in any of avariety of shapes, such as circular, oval, rectangular, octagonal,hexagonal, trapezoidal, or any suitable shape.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate a data expansion device that includes asolar array panel according to embodiments of the present disclosure.Although certain details will be provided with reference to thecomponents of the data expansion device, it should be understood thatother embodiments may include more, less, or different components. Thedata expansion device shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C is configured as adata expansion roadway device (DER) 100.

In the example shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the DER 100 is configured as aroadway reflector. In the example shown in FIG. 2C, the DER 100 isincluded with, or configured as, a roadway marker, such as a street signor traffic control device.

In certain embodiments, the DER 100 includes a self-sustaining powersource or power supply. In certain embodiments, at least one surface,such as the top surface, includes a solar panel 210 that as theself-sustaining power source. The self-sustaining power sourceconfigured as a solar panel 210 includes a number of solar cells 220,such as a solar cell array, that include a plurality of photo-voltaiccells to form at least one solar panel 210. Although one solar panel 210is depicted, embodiments including more than one solar panel 210 couldbe used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Incertain embodiments, the DER 100 includes a power interface configuredto couple to a self-sustaining power source, such as a solar cell 220.In certain embodiments, the power interface is configured to removablycouple to the self-sustaining power source.

In certain embodiments, the DER 100 includes a housing 110 that is atruncated pyramid shape. The solar panel 210 can be disposed atop thehousing 110 or coupled to the housing 110. One or more sides of thehousing can include the solar cells 220. Reflective material 120 isdisposed on one or more remaining sides of the housing 110. The sides ofthe housing 110 that include the solar cells 220 can be oriented tocorrespond to the sides that allow the greatest amount of solar energyto be absorbed throughout a day and a year. In certain embodiments, thehousing includes a clear protective cover disposed over or around thesolar array panel 210. The clear protective cover is comprised of anysuitable clear material such as a PLEXIGLAS material or other hardplastic, glass or composite material. In certain embodiments, the clearmaterial is comprised of a reflective material and configured as aportion of the reflective surfaces. In certain embodiments, the solararray panel 210 is embedded into the reflective surface or disposedbeneath the clear material as a reflective surface.

In the example shown in FIG. 2C, the DER 100 includes, or is coupled to,a vertical mount. For example, the housing 110 can include a mountinginterface 225 configured to couple to a vertical structure 230. The DER100 or vertical structure 230 can include a traffic control device, suchas a street sign 235. The housing 110 contains operating components ofthe DER, such as one or more of: processing circuitry, wifitransceivers, antennas, processors, interfaces and power couplings.

The DER 100 can be oriented to maximize solar energy captured by thesolar cells 220 or oriented to provide maximum wireless communicationcoverage over a road surface or over a pedestrian surface. As with otherembodiments of the present disclosure, the DER 100 depicted in FIG. 2Cis configured to provide wireless coverage, such as a wifi signal orwifi hotspot zone, to the road or pedestrian surface and couple directlyto the backhaul network or couple to the backhaul network through anaccess point, thus bypassing a base station or enhanced Node B (eNodeBor eNB) and such that the data is not communicated through the basestation or eNodeB.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a DER 100 with a cylindrical housing 300according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Although certaindetails will be provided with reference to the components of the DER100, it should be understood that other embodiments may include more,less, or different components.

The DER 100 with a cylindrical housing 300 that has at least onereflective surface. In certain embodiments, the DER 100 with acylindrical housing 300 includes a solar array panel 310 disposed atopthe reflective surface or disposed beneath a clear reflective surface.The housing 300 can be a truncated sphere atop a cylinder shape. Incertain embodiments, the solar array panel 310 is embedded or cut intothe reflective surface. In certain embodiments, the DER 100 with acylindrical housing 300 is disposed in the road surface such that ahighest portion of the housing 300 is substantially flush (i.e., withinone centimeter) with the road surface.

In certain embodiments, a portion of the DER 100 with a cylindricalhousing 300 includes a reflective surface. In certain embodiments, aportion of the DER 100 with a cylindrical housing 300 includes a solarcell array 310. In certain embodiments, a portion of the DER 100 with acylindrical housing 300 includes a reflective material and a separateportion of the reflector 100 includes a reflective surface. In certainembodiments, the DER 100 with a cylindrical housing 300 includes a solararray 310 that is also a reflective surface.

FIG. 3C illustrates a data expansion device configured as a roadwaymarker according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The DER 100shown in FIG. 3C is for illustration only. In the example shown in FIG.3C, the DER 100 is included with, or configured as, a roadway marker,such as a mile marker, roadway indicator and or traffic control device.

In the example shown in FIG. 3C, the DER 100 includes a base 320 and adelineator post 325. In certain embodiments, the DER 100 includes aplate 330, such as a reflector, mile marker, or other delineator plate.

The base 320 is configured to include processing circuitry for the DER100. The base 320 includes a housing that encloses the processingcircuitry for the DER 100. For example, the base 320 can include one ormore processors, a transceiver, such as a wifi transceiver and othersuitable circuitry for forming a data hotspot, such as a wifi hotspot.The base 320 is adapted to be mounted on, or adhered to, a roadway orpedestrian surface. In certain embodiments, some or all of the base 320is disposed beneath a surface of the roadway or pedestrian surface.

The delineator post 325 can be rigid or flexible. The delineator post325 can be formed from steel, aluminum, plastic, carbon fiber, or anysuitable material. In certain embodiments, the delineator post 325includes one or more components configured to operate as an antenna. Incertain embodiments, the delineator post 325 includes one or moreantennas. In certain embodiments, the delineator post 325 is configuredto operate as an antenna. In certain embodiments, the delineator post325 and plate 330 are configured to operate as an antenna.

The plate 330 can be rigid or flexible. In certain embodiments, theplate 330 includes a reflective material. In certain embodiments, theplate 330 includes traffic, roadway, or safety information. The plate330 can be formed from steel, aluminum, plastic, carbon fiber, or anysuitable material. The plate 330 is affixed to the delineator post 325through any suitable means such as, bolts, screw, adhesives,interlocking fasteners, hook and loop connections, hooks, and the like.In certain embodiments, the plate 330 includes, or is comprised of,solar cells, such as photovoltaic cells. In certain embodiments, theplate 330 includes one or more solar panels comprised of a plurality ofsolar cells.

FIG. 4 illustrates components of a control system 400 inside a DER 100according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Although certaindetails will be provided with reference to the components of the controlsystem 400, it should be understood that other embodiments may includemore, less, or different components. The components of the controlsystem 400 can be included in the embodiments of the DER 100 shown inany of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B and 3C or in any suitablestructure configured to as a roadway marker, pedestrian marker, trafficcontrol device configured to be disposed in, on or under a road orpedestrian traffic surface, and the like.

The DER 100 includes the control system 400. The control system 400 isconfigured to enable the DER 100 to provide access to broadband dataservices for mobile terminals. The control system 400 includesprocessing circuitry 410, a transceiver 420, a communication interface430, a power source 440, and an antenna 450. In certain embodiments, thecontrol system 400 includes one or more the following: a Radio DetectionAnd Ranging (RADAR) unit 415, a camera 425, a global positioning system(GPS) receiver 435, and a climate control unit 445. The housing 460 isconfigured to contain the control system 400. In certain embodiments,the housing 460 is the same as housing 110 of the DER 100. In certainembodiments, the control system 400 also includes a network node 470.The network node 470 operates as an access point, providing featuressuch as access control, theft prevention, data traffic monitoring, datatraffic shaping, network node to network node signaling, and variousother features associated with network access and control. The networknode 470, as an access point, provides controlled access to the backhaulnetwork, such as controlled access to an internet network.

The processing circuitry 410 is coupled to the RADAR unit 415, thetransceiver 420, the camera 425, the communication interface 430, theGPS receiver 435, the power source 440, and the climate control unit445. The processing circuitry 410 is configured to establish acommunication with at least one mobile terminal 490 through a couplingwith the transceiver 420. The processing circuitry 410, communicablycoupled to the mobile terminal 490, enables communications between themobile terminal 490 and a backhaul network 495 of computers, such as theInternet (namely, a world-wide-web; a world-wide-network) or a privatenetwork. The processing circuitry 410 forms one or more communicationchannels to communicate information between the mobile terminal 490 andthe network 495. The control system 400 establishes a secure channel forsending and receiving control and data signals to and from one or moremobile terminal 490. The processing circuitry 410 provides a virtualprivate network (VPN) initialization and termination for communicationsbetween the control system 400 and the mobile terminal 490. That is, theDER 100 can communicate with the mobile terminal 490 via a securedchannel using a VPN. In certain embodiments, the processing circuitry410 is configured to send encrypted data and to decipher encrypted datareceived from the mobile terminal 490. That is, the processing circuitry410 and mobile terminal 490 establish an encryption agreement or share acommon encryption key used to secure the data transmitted between themobile terminal 490 and the DER 100.

In certain embodiments, the processing circuitry 410 includes aprogrammable controller. The programmable controller is configured to bereprogrammable to control one or more functions of the processingcircuitry, at a later date. In certain embodiments, the programmablecontroller is configured, such as pre-configured, to control one or morefunctions of the processing circuitry 410. In certain embodiments, theprocessing circuitry 410 is embodied as a programmable controller. Inthe present disclosure, any description of a function or coupling of theprocessing circuitry 410 is understood to be a function or coupling ofthe programmable controller.

In certain embodiments, the processing circuitry 410 includes a memory412. In certain embodiments, the processing circuitry 410 is coupled tothe memory 412, such as the example shown in FIG. 9. The memory 412includes any suitable volatile or non-volatile storage and retrievaldevice(s). For example, the memory 412 can include any electronic,magnetic, electromagnetic, optical, electro-optical, electro-mechanical,or other physical device that can contain, store, communicate,propagate, or transmit information. The memory 412 stores data andinstructions for use by the processor or programmable controller of theprocessing circuitry 410. In certain embodiments, the memory 412 storeslocation information. For example, the memory 412 is programmed to storea location of the DER 100, such as a global positioning system (GPS)location or a location provide by the network. For example, the networkor and operator can program the DER 100 with a geographic location atthe time of installation of the DER 100. In certain embodiments, inresponse to receiving a signal indicating the location of the DER 100,the processing circuitry 410 stores the location in the memory 412.

The control system 400 includes the RADAR unit 415 configured to performa RADAR gun function. The RADAR unit 415 is configured to transmit RADARwaves toward one or more objects and to receive return reflected waves.That is, the RADAR unit 415 includes a radio signal transmitterconfigured to transmit radio waves outward from the DER 100. Whenincident upon an object (for example, a vehicle, the radio waves reflectoff the object and return to the control system of the DER 100. TheRADAR unit 415 includes a radio signal receiver configured to receivethe return reflected waves. The RADAR unit 415 transmits waveforminformation corresponding to the transmitted and reflected waves to theprocessing circuitry 410. The RADAR unit 415 and processing circuitry410 use the RADAR wave information to determine the speed and directionof travel of the vehicle (together, the vehicle velocity). The RADARunit 415 and processing circuitry 410 use the RADAR wave information todetermine a proximal distance from the RADAR unit to the vehicle. TheRADAR unit 415 within the DER 100 can be used to monitor the flow oftraffic on streets and highways.

For example, the roadway speed limit corresponding to the location ofthe DER 100 is stored in the memory 412. As vehicles, drive by the DER100, the RADAR unit 415 measures the speed and direction of the traffic.The processing circuitry 410 compares the speed of one or more vehiclesto the stored speed limit. The control system 400 sends the vehiclespeed information and the speed comparison to a network 495 computer ornetwork user, such as a traffic law enforcement system, a governmentdepartment of transportation traffic controller or a roadway trafficmonitoring service system. The information can include an estimatedamount of time travel between certain mile markers, or an estimated timeof arrival at a highway junction or exit ramp.

The control system 400 includes a transceiver 420. The transceiver 420is configured to transmit data and to receive data. In certainembodiments, the transceiver 420 is a wireless transceiver, for examplea WiFi transceiver. In certain embodiments, the transceiver 420 includesan antenna 450. The antenna 450 is configured to enable the transceiver420 to send data to mobile terminal 490 and to receive data from themobile terminal 490. In certain embodiments, when mounted on a verticalmount, such as the street sign shown in FIG. 2C, portions of the antennaare included in a portion of the vertical structure 230, such as on thetraffic control device. For example, a portion of the street sign 235can be configured to operate as antenna 450 or to operate a part ofantenna 450. In certain embodiments, when configured as a roadwaymarker, such as the roadway marker shown in FIG. 3C, portions of theantenna are included in a portion of the delineator post 325. Forexample, all or a portion of delineator post 325 or plate 33 o can beconfigured to operate as antenna 450 or to operate a part of antenna450. Alternatively, one or more antennas can be included in thedelineator post 325 or plate 330.

In certain embodiments, the transceiver 420 is coupled to antenna 450,enabling the transceiver 420 to send data to a mobile terminal 490 andto receive data from the mobile terminal 490. The transceiver 420communicates data between the processing circuitry 410 and the mobileterminal 490. That is, the transceiver 420 receives data from theprocessing circuitry 410 and transmits the data received from theprocessing circuitry 410 to the mobile terminal 490. The transceiver 420also receives data from the mobile terminal 490 and transmits the datareceived from the mobile terminal 490 to the processing circuitry 410.The processing circuitry 410 is communicably coupled to the network node470. The processing circuitry 410 sends signals to the node 470 andreceives signals from the node 470. For example, in response to a signalsent from the processing circuitry 410 to the node 470, the processingcircuitry 410 receives one or more signals from the node 470. Theprocessing circuitry 410 sends communications to a network 495 ofcomputers (also referred to as the Internet) and receives communicationsfrom the network 495 via the node 470. When the processing circuitry 410is communicably coupled to the network 495, the processing circuitry 410is configured to enable the mobile terminal 490 to communicate with thenetwork 495 via the transceiver 420 and the node 470.

The control system 400 includes a communication interface 430. Thecommunication interface 430 enables communications with one or more of:the processing circuitry 410, a node 470, the backhaul network 480, oneor a plurality of mobile terminals 490, and the network 495.Communications can be through a wireless data transfer communication, awireless local area network (WLAN) Internet communication, an opticcommunication medium, infrared communication medium, or throughwireless-fidelity (WiFi) communication.

The control system 400 includes a camera 425. The camera is configuredto capture images of the environment surrounding the DER 100. The camera425 is configured to capture images of vehicle that is approaching ordeparting from the DER 100, including images of the vehicle licenseplates. For example, the processing circuitry can instruct the camera425 to capture images of a vehicle driving faster than the speed limitor driving slower than the highway minimum speed.

For example, the processing circuitry 410 receives a targeted licenseplate number. The mobile phone 490 can forward an AMBER alert to thecontrol system 400 via the link 455, including a corresponding targetedlicense plate number. The processing circuitry stores the targetedlicense plate number in the memory 412. The control system 400 isconfigured to perform image processing, including optical characterrecognition (OCR). That is, the camera 425 or the processing circuitry410 performs an OCR on the images of vehicle license plates captured bythe camera 425. The processing circuitry 410 is configured to comparethe license plate numbers recognized in the images to the targetedlicense plate numbers stored in memory 412. When the recognized licenseplate number matches one or more targeted license plates numbers, theprocessing circuitry 410 sends the location of the DER 100, the matchinglicense plate information, and the corresponding image to a user in thenetwork 495. The network 495 user may be a law enforcement officerwithin close proximity to the DER 100.

The control system 400 includes a GPS receiver 435 configured to receivea signal indicating the GPS location of the DER 100. The control system400 is configured to store the received GPS location in the memory 412as the location of the DER 100.

In certain embodiments, the processing circuitry 410 is configured tocommunicate with one or more traffic control or safety devices, or both.For example, the processing circuitry 410 can send control signals,including activation signals, deactivation signals, or both, to one ormore streetlights in an area or section of the roadway, send controlsignals, including activation signals, deactivation signals, or both, toa traffic signal or traffic control device. In certain embodiments, thecontrol system 400 includes one or more sensors 465 configured tooperate in conjunction with the processing circuitry 410 to send controlsignals to one or more traffic control or safety devices, or both. Theone or more sensors 465 can be configured to detect one or more of:vehicles, radio frequency identifier (RFID) chips, or mobile devices. Inresponse to detecting one or more of vehicles, radio frequencyidentifier (RFID) chips, or mobile devices by the one or more sensor465, the processing circuitry 410 communicates, via transceiver 420,communication interface 430 or another communication interface, signalsto the one or more traffic control or safety devices.

The power source 440 is configured to provide power to the controlsystem 400. The power source 440 is coupled to each electrical componentof the control system 400. The power source 440 can be directly coupledto each electrical component of the control system 400. In certainembodiments, the power source is directly coupled to the processingcircuitry 410, enabling each electrical component coupled to theprocessing circuitry 410 to indirectly receive power from the powersource 440. The power source 440 can be a renewable energy source, suchas solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, biomass energy, or anycombination thereof. For example, the power source 440 can include aconnection with a local utility company's distribution system, or anoff-the-grid island distribution system, or a combination thereof. Incertain embodiments, the power source 440 is a solar array panel 210,310. In certain embodiments, the power source 440 is a photovoltaicsource embodied as photovoltaic paint or another suitable materialconfigured to convert solar energy into electrical energy. In particularembodiments, the power source 440 includes a port or power interfaceadapted to couple an external power source, which is outside the DER 100and provides power to the control system 400. In certain embodiments,the port or power interface is configured to removably couple to theexternal power source. In certain embodiments, the power source 440includes one or more of the following: a solar-charging battery; avibration-powered energy harvester configured to capture and storeenergy derived from ambient vibrations; a wireless power transmissionreceiver configured to couple to a wireless power transmitter; aconductor transmitting electricity generated from solar energy,geothermal energy, or heat; a number of solar cells; a number of solarcells disposed beneath a clear (e.g., PLEXIGLASS) cover of the housing;and a painted stripe on the road or pedestrian walk-way surface. Incertain embodiments, a portion of the painted stripe is disposed withinor beneath the housing 460. The vibration-powered energy harvestercaptures energy from ambient road vibrations or vibrations from windagainst the housing 460 and converts the energy into electricity for thecontrol system 400.

The control system 400 includes a climate control unit 445. The climatecontrol unit 445 includes one or more sensors configured to measuretemperature and moisture levels internal and external to the housing460. The climate control unit 445 includes a heating element 447configured to increase the temperature of the DER. In certainembodiments, the heating element 447 is disposed within the material ofthe housing 460. In certain embodiments, the heating element 447 isdisposed on top of the housing and heats the external surface of the DER100. In certain embodiments, the heating element 447 is disposed arounda perimeter of the housing 460. As an example, when the climate controlunit 445 measures an external temperature of below freezing and sensessnow or ice disposed on the surface of the DER 100, then the climatecontrol sensor turns on the heating element to increase the temperatureof the DER 100 and to melt away the ice or snow. By melting away snowand ice, driverless vehicles can detect the lane markers of the roadwayand control the vehicle to remain within the lane.

The antenna 450 is configured to communicably couple to the mobileterminal 490. The antenna 450 can be configured to communicate with themobile terminal 490 using a suitable wireless communication, such as aWiFi (namely, IEEE 802.11x) communication, a near field communication(NFC), a BLUETOOTH low energy (BLE) communication, a general packetradio service (GPRS) for global system for mobile communications (GSM),an Enhanced Data rages for GSM Evolution (EDGE) communication, a thirdgeneration (3G) Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)communication, 3G High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) communication, a 3GHigh Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) communication, a WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access (WiMax) communication, a fourthgeneration (4G) Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication, or any othersuitable wireless communications protocol. In certain embodiments, theantenna 450 is included in the transceiver 420. In certain embodiments,the antenna 450 is coupled to the transceiver 420. The antenna 450 canbe configured with omni-directional characteristics, or uni-directionalcharacteristics. Additionally, the antenna 450 can be a directionalantenna configured to communicate data in particular directions.

In certain embodiments, the control system 400 is included in housing460. The housing 460 can be embodied as a raised reflective surface or abase of a roadway marker. Some examples of raised reflective surfacesinclude: a road reflector, raised pavement marker, street reflector,road stud, and pavement reflector, used for traffic control and safety.The housing 460 can be rectangular, cylindrical, oval, trapezoidal orany suitable shape. In certain embodiments, the housing 460 isdimensioned not to exceed (e.g., be equal in size or smaller than) fourinches by four inches wide and two and a quarter inches high(4″×4″×2.25″). For example, when in a truncated sphere configuration,the housing 460 can be dimensioned to include a four inch (4″) diameterand a height of two and a quarter inches (2.25″). The housing 460 isconfigured to contain the transceiver 420 and the processing circuitry410. In certain embodiments, the housing 460 is configured to contain atleast a portion of the power source 440. In certain embodiments, thehousing 460 is configured to contain the entire control system 440.

In certain embodiments, the network node 470 is communicably coupled toa backhaul network 480 (for example, a private or 3^(rd) Partytelecommunication network). The network node 470 sends signals to andreceives signals from the backhaul network 480. Through the backhaulnetwork, the network node 470 sends signals to and receives signals fromthe network 495. In certain embodiments, the control system 400 includesthe network node 470. In certain embodiments, the control system 400 iscommunicably coupled to the network node 470. The network node 470 isconfigured to enable the control system 400, and respective componentstherein, to communicate via the network node 470 to one or more of thebackhaul network 480 and the network 495. The network node 470 isconfigured to be connected to or communicably coupled (for example,logically coupled) with one or more other nodes of other control systems400, such as of different DERs. Accordingly, through the network node470, the control system 400 of a first DER is configured to enable asecond DER to be indirectly and communicably coupled to the backhaulnetwork 480 and the network 495. That is, the second DER 100 isconfigured to couple to one or more of the backhaul network 480 and thenetwork 495 via the first DER 100. In certain embodiments, the networknode 470 is configured to communicate to the backhaul network 480 usingEthernet, fiber, wireless communication, or any form of Local AreaNetwork, or Wide Area Network technology.

The network node 470 operates as an access point, such as a networkrouter, providing features such as access control, theft prevention,data traffic monitoring, data traffic shaping, network node to networknode signaling, and various other features associated with networkaccess and control. The network node 470, as an access point, providescontrolled access to the backhaul network, such as controlled access toan internet network. For example, by communicating through the networknode 470, the DER 100 is able to bypass a base station. The network node470 verifies access permission or authority corresponding to a user, amobile device, or both. The network node 470 can determine if a currentsubscription is valid for the user or the mobile device and, based onthe subscription status, permit or deny access to the core network and,ultimate to the internet via the core network.

The backhaul 480 is communicably coupled to the network node 470 and thenetwork 495, enabling communications between the network node 470 andthe network 495. The backhaul network 480 sends signals to and receivessignals from the network 495 and one or more network nodes 470. Thebackhaul 480 enables two-way communication between the node 470 and thenetwork 495. The backhaul 480 can be a wired or wireless network.

The control system 400 is configured to communicate with a number ofmobile terminals 490. The control system 400 sends signals to andreceives signals from the mobile device 490 via a link 455. The mobileterminal 490 can be a portable computer, a “smart phone”, personal dataassistant, a touchscreen tablet, an electronic wallet, a vehicle or thelike.

FIG. 5 illustrates a string of DERs 500 according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure. Although certain details will be provided withreference to the components of the string of DERs 500, it should beunderstood that other embodiments may include more, less, or differentcomponents. The string of DERs 500 includes a number of DERs, such asDERs 100 a and 100 b. Each of the DERs 100 a and 100 b contains acontrol system 400. The DERs 100 a and 100 b are communicably coupled toa common node, such as network node 470, thereby establishing aninterlinked string of DERs 500. As described in further detail below, aset of surface reflectors 500 may include various embodiments of DERsand DER assemblies as well as various quantities of the DERs.

DER 100 a is embodied as a truncated pyramid pavement marker havingreflective material on at least one side. The DER 100 a includes a powersource 440 configured as a port connected to an external power source510 a via a conductor 515. In certain embodiments, the external powersource 510 a and 510 b is embodied as one or more of: a lane marker;pedestrian marker; or other road or pedestrian way markings. The solarpower panels 510 a and 510 b include a photovoltaic material thatconverts solar light or solar energy into electricity. For example, theexternal power source 510 a and 510 b includes a plurality ofphotovoltaic cells configured to convert solar energy into electricalenergy, such as a plurality of solar cells or a solar power panel. Theconductor 515 can be any suitable conductor. The DER 100 a includes acommunication interface 430 that is coupled to the external network node470. The connection between the communication interface 430 and theexternal network node 470 may be on the surface or below the surface ofthe object to which the DER 100 is attached.

The DER 100 b and the solar power panel 510 b together form a DERassembly 520. The DER assembly 520 includes a plurality of power sources440 and 510 b.

The DER 100 b is embodied as a truncated sphere pavement marker having areflective material disposed on the entire surface. The DER 100 bincludes a power source 440 configured as a power port or powerinterface. The power port or power interface 440 is adapted to connectto a plurality of different power sources (510 b, 510 a). In certainembodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a portion the solar power panel510 b is disposed beneath, or otherwise in physical contact with, thehousing 460, and another portion is disposed outside the housing 460. Incertain embodiments, the DER assembly 520 does not include a portion ofthe external power source (e.g., solar power panel) 510 b containedwithin the housing 460.

The DER 100 b includes communication interface 430 b. The communicationinterface 430 b of DER 100 b is coupled to (e.g., in data communicationwith) the communication interface 430 a of DER 100 a, which is connectedto a node 470. Where one of the communication interfaces 430 a and 430 bis connected to the network node 470. The connection between thecommunication interfaces 430 a and 430 b of the DERs 100 a and 100 b,forms a daisy chain 530. In certain embodiments, the daisy chain 530 isa logical daisy chain. The daisy chain 530 enables a communicationinterface 430 b that is not directly connected to the network node 470to connect to the node 470 via the connection to a communicationinterface 430 of the first DER 100 a, which is coupled to the networknode 470. The daisy chain 530 may extend by connecting a subsequent DER100 c to one of the communication interfaces 430 b and 430 a of eitherthe surface reflector 100 b or the surface reflector 100 a.

FIG. 6 illustrates a network of DERs according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure. The embodiment of the DER network 600 shown in FIG.6 is for illustration only. Other embodiments could be used withoutdeparting from the scope of this disclosure. Although in FIG. 6, eachset of DERs 610 includes four surface reflectors, a set of DERs 610 caninclude any number of DERs. In certain embodiments, a set of DERs 610spans a quarter of a mile (1609 meters).

The network of DERs 600 includes a plurality of sets of DERs. Forexample, the network of DERs 600 includes a first set of DERs 610 a anda second set of DERs 610 b. Network node 470 b of a second set of DERs610 b is connected to network node 470 a of a first set of DERs 610 a.In certain embodiments, the network nod 470 b is logically connected tonetwork node 470 a. The first set of DERs 610 a is connected to thebackhaul network 480. The connection 620 between the network nodes 470 aand 470 b, in which one of the first network nodes 470 a is connected tothe backhaul 480, forms a daisy chain 620 of nodes. The daisy chain 620enables network node 470 b to connect to the backhaul 480 via theconnection to the network node 470 a of the first set of DERs 610 a,which is coupled to the backhaul 480 directly (for example, wherein asignal from the network node 470 a is not received by an intermediarybefore the backhaul network receives the signal). In certainembodiments, the daisy chain 620 is a logical daisy chain such that thesecond network node 470 b sends signals to and receives signals from thefirst network node 470 a via the backhaul network 480 and the network495. The daisy chain 620 can be extended by connecting a subsequentnetwork node 470 of another set of DERs 610 to either the network node470 a or the network node 470 b. In certain embodiments of the networkof DERs 600, the first network node 470 a is connected to the backhaulnetwork 480, and the second network node 470 b is directly coupled tothe backhaul network 480 independent of the daisy chain 620 connection.In certain embodiments of the network of DERs 600, the first networknode 470 a is connected to the backhaul network 480, and the secondnetwork node 470 b is coupled to the backhaul network 480 through one ormore of a direct connection independent of the daisy chain 620 andthrough the first network node 470 a via the daisy chain 620. Forexample, the second set of DERs 610 b select to the backhaul network viathe independent direct connection to the backhaul network 480 oralternatively via the daisy chain to the first network node 470 a. Incertain embodiments of the network of DERs 600, the daisy chain isextended by connecting either the network node 470 a or the network node470 b to a third network node 470 (of a third set of DERs 610) that isdirectly connected to the backhaul network 480. In certain embodiments,when a plurality of network nodes 470 a and 470 b have established acommunication (such as a channel of communication) with the network 495,each network node 470 sends signals to and receives signals from theother network nodes 470. For example, the first network node 470 a sendssignals to and receives signals from the second network node 470 b viaone or more of the backhaul network 480 and the network 495.

The set of DERs 610 a includes truncated pyramid shaped surfacereflectors. Each DER of 610 a includes a communication interface 430that is coupled to the network node 470 a. The second set of DERs 610 bincludes truncated sphere shaped DERs. Each DER of the set 610 bincludes a communication interface 430 coupled to the communicationinterface 430 of an adjacent DER, creating a daisy chain to thecommunication interface 430 that is coupled to the network node 470 b.In certain embodiments, the coupling is a logical daisy chain between afirst communication interface 430 of a DER of the set 610 b and a secondcommunication interface 430 of a second DER of the set 610 b that iscoupled to the network node 470 b.

FIG. 7 illustrates a process for providing mobile broadband data accessaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure. While the flow chartdepicts a series of sequential steps, unless explicitly stated, noinference should be drawn from that sequence regarding specific order ofperformance, performance of steps or portions thereof serially ratherthan concurrently or in an overlapping manner, or performance of thesteps depicted exclusively without the occurrence of intervening orintermediate steps. The process depicted in the example depicted isimplemented by a processing circuitry in, for example, a data expansionroadway device.

The process 700 can be performed, for example, by one or more controlsystems 400, hereinafter referred to in the singular as “the system.”The process 700 can be implemented by executable instructions stored ina non-transitory computer-readable medium that cause one or more surfacereflector control systems 400 to perform such a process.

In block 705, when a mobile terminal 490 is within a range close enoughto communicably couple to at least one control system 400 of a surfacereflector, the processing circuitry 410 is within a communicablecoupling range and will initialize and establish a wireless connectionwith the mobile terminal 490. The processing circuitry 410 is configuredto determine when the mobile terminal 490 is within a communicablecoupling range, such as based in part on the strength of the signalbetween the mobile terminal 490 and the antenna 450.

In block 710, once a mobile terminal 490 is communicably coupled to atleast one DER 100, the DER 100 transmits data back and forth between themobile terminal 490 and the network 495. The data communication pathincludes the mobile terminal 490, the antenna 450, the transceiver 420,the processing circuitry 410, the communication interface 430, the node470, the backhaul 480, and the network 495.

In block 715, as the mobile terminal 490 moves, the mobile terminal 490moves out of a communicable coupling range of a first DER to which themobile terminal 490 is connected. The mobile terminal 490 moves into acommunicable coupling range of a second DER that belongs to the same set610 of DERs as the first surface reflector. In certain embodiments, thesecond DER initiates and establishes a wireless connection with themobile terminal 490. In response to the establishment a connection ofthe mobile terminal 490 to the second DER, the first DER terminates thedata connection to the mobile terminal 490. This process is referred toas a same-node handover.

In certain embodiments, the processing circuitry 410 is configured toperform a different-node handover in block 720. As the mobile terminal490 continues to move, the mobile terminal 490 moves out of acommunicable coupling range with all of the DERs in the first set ofDERs that are coupled to the node of the first DER. In thedifferent-node handover 720, in response to the establishment of aconnection with a second DER that does not belong to the same set 610 ofDERs as the first DER (e.g., not included in the first set of DERs), thefirst DER terminates the data connection between the mobile terminal 490and the first DER. In certain embodiments, the different-node handoverprocess is conducted using a hardwire handover in which the first nodeand second node are communicably coupled via a wired connection. Incertain embodiments, the different-node handover process is conductedusing a wireless handover—in which the first node and second node arecommunicably coupled via a wireless connection. In certain embodiments,one or more of the same node handovers and different node handovers arecontrolled by a central switch. In certain embodiments, one or more ofthe same node handovers and different node handovers are controlled byone of the network nodes 470. In certain embodiments, one or more of thesame node handover and different node handover are controlled in part bythe mobile terminal. In certain embodiments, one or more of the samenode handover and different node handover are controlled by one or morecomponents in the backhaul network 480.

FIG. 8 illustrates a DER 100 providing mobile broadband access to avehicle 800 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Incertain embodiments, the mobile terminal 490 is a vehicle 800 (e.g.,car; truck; van; bus) that includes an antenna 810 adapted to receivewireless data signals from one or more DERs 100. The control system 400of the DER 100 sends signals to and receives signals from the vehicle800 via a link 850 a.

The vehicle 800 includes a transmitter 820 to send wireless data signalsto one of more DERs 100. In certain embodiments, the vehicle's antenna810 and transmitter 820 (together “vehicle transceiver” 830) are locatedphysically close to the ground, such as at or near the bottom of thevehicle, under the passenger cabin. When the DER 100 is located on thestreet and the vehicle transceiver 830 is disposed under the vehicle,the vehicle can receive a stronger signal link 850 a from the DER 100 ascompared with the strength of the signal link 850 b to the mobileterminal 860 within the passenger cabin. In certain embodiments, thevehicle's antenna 810 positioned on the vehicle in any one or more of:atop, on a side, internally, externally, beneath, the so forth, toenhance transmission and reception of signals between the antenna 810and the DER 100.

In certain embodiments, the antenna 810 is coupled to a control unitlocated in the vehicle 800. The vehicle's control unit 840 includesprocessing circuitry, a memory 842, and an interface 844 to link 870 toa mobile terminal 860 within the passenger cabin of the vehicle. Thelink 870 can be a wired or wireless link, such as via BLUETOOTH LowEnergy, infrared, Universal Serial Bus (USB), or any other suitable datatransmission medium link. The control unit 840 is adapted to boost thestrength of the signal from the DER 100 to the mobile terminal 860. Forexample, when the signal strength link 850 b (between the DER 100 andthe mobile terminal 860 within the passenger cabin of the vehicle) isweak compared to the signal strength of link 850 a (between the DER 100and the vehicle 800), then the DER 100 sends signals to the mobileterminal 860 through the control unit 840 and through the vehicleinterface link 870 to the mobile terminal 860.

In certain embodiments, the control unit 840 includes a memory 842adapted to buffer data transferred from the network 495 to the mobiledevice 860. The control unit 840 monitors a transfer of data from thenetwork 495 to the memory of the mobile terminal 860. In the event aconnection between the mobile terminal 860 and the control unit 840 islost or severed during a download of a file from the network 495, thecontrol unit 840 continues to download data from the network 495 via theconnection 850 a between the control unit 840 and the DER 100. Thecontrol unit 840 stores the download data in the memory 842 forretrieval by the mobile terminal 860. Upon a re-connection between themobile terminal 860 and the controller 840, the downloaded data storedin the memory 842 is transferred to the mobile terminal 860.

As an illustrative and non-limiting example: a user commencesdownloading a movie. During the download of the movie, the user exitsthe vehicle 800 along with the mobile terminal 860, thus severing theconnection between the mobile terminal 860 and the control unit 840.Thereafter, the control unit 840 continues to download and store theremaining portion of the movie. When the user returns to the vehicle andre-connects the mobile terminal 860 to the control unit 840 via theinterface 844, the remaining portion of the movie is downloaded to themobile terminal. The mobile terminal can prompt the user to request adownload of the buffered data after the marker. Alternatively, inresponse to a re-establishment of the link 870, the controller 840 caninitiate the download of the buffered data without user interaction.Therefore, the user is able to complete the download without beingrequired to re-start the entire download.

In certain embodiments, the control unit 840 stores a file markerindicating when the download was interrupted. The control unit 840stores a first file marker in the memory 842. The file marker identifiesthe portion (transferred portion) of the file that has been transferredto the memory of the mobile terminal 860 and the portion (un-transferredportion) of the file that has not been transferred to the memory of themobile terminal 860. If before the entire file is transferred to thememory of the mobile terminal 860, the user removes the mobile terminal860 from the vehicle 800 or otherwise disconnects the mobile terminal860 from interface link 870, then the control unit 840 will continue todownload the un-transferred portion and store or buffer theun-transferred portion in the memory 842 of the control unit 840. Whenthe mobile terminal 860 re-establishes the link 870 to the control unit840 through the interface 844, then un-transferred portion of the datais downloaded to the memory of the mobile terminal 860. That is, inresponse to a reconnection of the mobile terminal 860 with the controlunit 840, the download is re-initiated at the point indicated by themarker. The mobile terminal can prompt the user to request a download ofthe un-transferred portion of the data after the marker. Alternatively,in response to a re-establishment of the link 870, the controller 840can initiate the download of the un-transferred data after the markerwithout user interaction. In both cases, however, the data downloadedprior to the marker is not required to be downloaded again.

FIG. 9 illustrates a DER system 900 according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure. Although certain details will be provided withreference to the components of the DER system 900, it should beunderstood that other embodiments may include more, less, or differentcomponents. The DER system 900 includes a DER 100 coupled to a mobileterminal 490 and to a controller unit 905. The DER 100 includes thecontrol system 400.

The controller unit 905 operates as an access point, providing featuressuch as access control, theft prevention, data traffic monitoring, datatraffic shaping, network node to network node signaling, and variousother features associated with network access and control. In certainembodiments, the controller unit 905 includes the features and functionsof the node network 470. In certain embodiments, the controller unit 905and the network node 470 are interchangeable. The controller unit 905 iscoupled to the backhaul network 480 via a wire line or wirelessconnection. The controller unit 905 couples to one or more computernetworks via the backhaul network 480.

The controller unit 905 includes processing circuitry 910 configured tocontrol components within the controller unit 905. In certainembodiments, the processing circuitry 910 controls the memory 920 a-b,the communication interface 930, and the energy unit 940. The controllerunit 905 establishes a secure channel for sending and receiving controland data signals to and from one or more DERs 100. The processingcircuitry 910 provides a virtual private network (VPN) initializationand termination for communications between the controller unit 905 andthe DER 100. That is, the controller unit 905 communicates with the DER100 via a secured channel using a VPN. In certain embodiments, theprocessing circuitry 910 is configured to send encrypted data and todecipher encrypted data received from the DER 100. That is, theprocessing circuitry 910 and control system 400 establish an encryptionagreement or share a common encryption key used to secure the datatransmitted between the controller unit 905 and the DER 100.

The controller unit 905 includes memory 920 configured to storeinstructions for the processing circuitry 910 and to store informationused in functions performed by the processing circuitry 910. In certainembodiments, the processing circuitry 910 includes the memory 920 awithin the same integrated circuitry. In certain embodiments, theprocessing circuitry 910 is coupled to the memory 920 b.

The controller unit 905 includes a communication interface 930configured to send and receive control signals and data between the DER100 and the controller unit 905. The communication interface 930 iscoupled to the backhaul network 480 via a wire line or wirelessconnection. The controller unit 905 uses the communication interface 930to send signals to and receive signals from the network 495 via thebackhaul network 480. That is, the controller unit 905 is communicablycoupled to the network 495 through the backhaul network 480. Thecommunication interface 930 includes the network node 470, a GPSreceiver 950, and an optical communication terminal 960.

The GPS receiver 950 is configured to locate GPS satellites and todeduce the location of the controller unit 905 using signals receivedfrom the satellites. In certain embodiments, the controller unit 905sends a message indicating the location to each DER 100 within the setof DERs 610 controlled by that controller unit 905. The location messagecan include a GPS location, a geographic coordinate system coordinatepair, an approximate address, and an intersection. In response toreceiving the location message, the DER 100 saves the locationinformation in memory 412.

For example, the DER 100 receives and stores the location informationderived from the GPS 950 from the controller unit 905. The user of themobile terminal 490 uses a maps or navigation application to track aselected path from point A to point B. Between point A and point B, themobile terminal 490 loses connection with GPS satellites and cannotdetermine the location of the mobile terminal. The DER 100 forwards thelocation information to the mobile terminal 490, thereby enabling themobile device's maps or navigation application to determine the locationof the mobile terminal. Accordingly, the DER system 900 enhances theuser's GPS navigation experience.

The optical communication terminal 960 configured to send and receivesignals via light, wherein the signals comprise data or control signals.That is, the optical communication terminal 960 sends and receivessignals by way of an optical communication channel. The opticalcommunication terminal 960 includes an input/output (I/O) terminalconfigured for receiving input signals via a light input and sendingoutput signals via a light output. In certain embodiments, the opticalcommunication terminal 960 is configured to communicate using laser I/Osignals. In certain embodiments, the optical communication device isconfigured to communicate using white space frequency. As an example,when television channel 4 and channel 5 represent the governmentdesignated frequencies of 8.0 mega-Hertz and 9.0 mega-Hertz, then whitespace frequency represents band of 8.5-8.9 mega-Hertz that thegovernment has not reserved for a specified purpose (e.g., televisionchannel 4 and 5).

In certain embodiments, the optical communication terminal 960 isconfigured to communicate photonically, using photons of light. Photoniccommunication uses a subset of a light wave and transmits signals fasterthan signals transmitted via laser light. The optical communicationterminal 960 is configured to detect a breach in the security of thesignal transmission channel. For example, the optical communicationterminal 960 detects an interruption of light within the transmissionpath and interprets the interruption as an indication of a breach ofsecurity. As another example, the optical communication terminal 960detects a change in polarity of the photons of a photonic signal withinthe transmission path and interprets the changed polarity as anindication of a breach of security.

In certain embodiments, the communication interface 430 of the controlsystem 400 includes an optical communication terminal 960. For example,a first DER 100 a and a second DER 100 b each include an opticalcommunication terminal 960 and communicate by laser or photonically witheach other using the respective optical communication terminals 960. Asanother example, the DER 100 includes an optical communication terminal960 b and sends and receives signals by laser or photonically with theoptical communication terminal 960 a of the controller unit 905.

The controller unit 905 includes an energy unit 940 configured toprovide electric energy to the constituent electrical components of thecontroller unit 905. The energy unit 940 receives electricity from oneor more of the following sources: a local utility power line, heat, suchas geothermal heat, and vibrations. In certain embodiments, the energyunit 940 is configured to convert geothermal energy into electricity forthe controller unit 905. In certain embodiments, the energy unit 940 isconfigured to convert energy from road vibrations into electricity forthe controller unit 905. In certain embodiments, the energy unit 940 isconfigured to transmit wireless power signals to the power source 440,and the wireless power signals charge an energy storage device withinthe power source 440. The wireless power transmission transmitter of theenergy unit 940 is configured to couple to the wireless power receiverof the DER's power source 440, such as a shared frequency coupling.

That is, in certain embodiments, the power source 440 within the controlsystem 400 is configured to receive and use wireless power to supplyelectricity to components within the control system 400 and to charge anenergy storage device, such as a battery.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, The DER system 900is configured to receive information from a police officer mobile 490,such as information regarding the geographical location of a policeofficer. In certain embodiments, the DER system 900 is configured todetermine the proximal distance of the police officer from the DER 100based on the geographical location of a police officer.

The DER system 900 is configured to implement a process for reportingvehicle velocity and identification information as will be describedmore particularly in reference to FIGS. 9 and 11.

FIG. 10 illustrates a network of DERs 1000 according to embodiments ofthe present disclosure. Although certain details will be provided withreference to the components of the network of DERs 1000, it should beunderstood that other embodiments may include more, less, or differentcomponents. Although in FIG. 10, the network of DERs 1000 includes fourcontroller units 905 a-d, each controlling a corresponding set of DERs610 a-d of four surface reflectors each, the network of DERs 1000 caninclude any number of sets of DERs 610. The components of FIG. 10 sharethe features and functions of the components of FIG. 6.

The network of DERs 1000 includes a plurality of sets of DERs. Forexample, the network of DERs 1000 includes a first set of DERs 610 a, asecond set of DERs 610 b, a third set of DERs 610 c, and a fourth set ofDERs 610 d. The first controller unit 605 a controls the first set ofDERs 610 a; the second controller unit 605 b controls the a second setof DERs 610 b; the third controller unit 605 c controls the third set ofDERs 610 c; and the fourth controller unit 605 d controls the a fourthset of DERs 610 d.

The controller unit 905 a of a first set of DERs 610 a is connected tocontroller unit 905 b of the second set of DERs 610 b via a wire line ora wireless connection, forming a daisy chain from the controller unit905 a to the backhaul network 480. That is, the controller unit 905 a isnot directly connected to the backhaul network 480, but instead, thesecond controller unit 905 b is an intermediary between the backhaulnetwork 480 and the first controller unit 905 a. The first controllerunit 905 a is coupled to the controller units 905 c and 905 d via alogical connection in combination with the wire line or wirelessconnection to the backhaul network 480. The first controller unit 905 asends control signals and data signals to the controller units 905 c and905 d via the logical connection (through 905 b and 480) and in return,receives response messages from the controller units 905 c and 905 d.

In reference to FIGS. 10 and 13, the network of DERs 1000 is configuredto implement a process for sequentially transmitting segments of a datafile to a mobile station 860 within a vehicle 800 based on projectedgeographical location of the vehicle 800.

FIG. 11 illustrates a process 1100 for reporting vehicle velocity andidentification information according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure. While the flow chart depicts a series of sequential steps,unless explicitly stated, no inference should be drawn from thatsequence regarding specific order of performance, performance of stepsor portions thereof serially rather than concurrently or in anoverlapping manner, or performance of the steps depicted exclusivelywithout the occurrence of intervening or intermediate steps. The processdepicted in the example depicted is implemented by a processingcircuitry in, for example, a data expansion roadway device.

A vehicle 800 travels in near proximity to a DER 100 at a velocity{right arrow over (v)}, including a direction and a speed. In block1105, the DERs 100 broadcasts one or more RADAR signals. When the RADARsignals are incident upon a vehicle 800 or other object, the signalsreflect off the vehicle 800 and return toward the RADAR transceiverwithin the RADAR unit 415.

In block 1110, the RADAR unit 415 receives the reflected return RADARsignals. In certain embodiments, block 1110 further comprises receivingan image associated with the reflected return RADAR signals. Theprocessing circuitry 410 is configured to instruct the camera 425 tocapture a picture of the object the broadcasted RADAR waves wereincident upon. That is, the camera captures an image of the vehicle 800or vehicle license plates corresponding to the reflected return RADARsignals.

In block 1115, the control system 900 determines the velocity {rightarrow over (v)} of the vehicle 800. In certain embodiments, the controlsystem 400 of the DER 100 determines the velocity {right arrow over (v)}of the vehicle using the waveform information from the RADAR unit 415.In certain embodiments, the controller unit 905 determines the directionand speed of the vehicle 800. The controller unit 905 makes thedetermination using information received from the RADAR unit 415 of theDER 100.

In block 1120, the control system 900 compares a threshold speed to thevehicle speed determined in block 1115. Examples of the threshold speedinclude: a user determined speed to be monitored, a specified speedstored within the control system, a speed limit corresponding to thelocation of the DER 100, a speed above the speed limit selected by a lawenforcement officer seeking to confront or issue citations to speedlimit violators. The control system 900 determines whether the vehiclespeed is greater than or equal to the threshold speed. When the vehiclespeed is at least the threshold speed, then the control system 900 movesto block 1125. When the speed is less than the threshold speed, thecontrol system moves to block 1105.

In certain embodiments, in block 1125, the control system 900 sends thespeed information to an external device. For example, the control system900 can send the speed information to one or more of a computer withinthe network 495, a network user, an operator of the vehicle, or a thirdparty. The speed information includes the image of the vehicle capturedin block 1110, the velocity {right arrow over (v)} of the vehicledetermined in block 1115, and the results of the speed comparisonderived in block 1120.

FIG. 12 illustrates a process 1200 for reporting vehicle location andidentification information according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure. While the flow chart depicts a series of sequential steps,unless explicitly stated, no inference should be drawn from thatsequence regarding specific order of performance, performance of stepsor portions thereof serially rather than concurrently or in anoverlapping manner, or performance of the steps depicted exclusivelywithout the occurrence of intervening or intermediate steps. The processdepicted in the example depicted is implemented by a processingcircuitry in, for example, a data expansion roadway device.

At the start, a vehicle 800 travels nearby a DER 100 at a velocity{right arrow over (v)}, including a direction and a speed. In block1205, the control system 400 of the DER 100 receives a targeted licenseplate number. For example, the mobile phone within the vehicle receivesan AMBER (America's Missing. Broadcast Emergency Response) alertcontaining the color and license plates number of a vehicle of interestand forwards the AMBER alert information to the control system 400 viathe link 455. As another example, the network 495 includes a governmentlaw enforcement system or a government department of transportationsystem. A computer within the network sends a message to the controllerunit 905 indicating targeted license plates numbers of one or morevehicles used in an illegal act. The controller unit 905 forwards thetargeted license plates numbers to at least one of the DERs 100 withinthe set of DERs 610 controlled by the controller unit 905. The targetedlicense plates numbers are stored in memory 412, 920 a-b.

In block 1210, the camera 425 captures an image of the vehicle 800,including the vehicle license plate and the color of the vehicle. Theimage received for processing by processing circuitry 410 or 910.

In block 1215, the processing circuitry 410 or 910 recognizes the stringof characters within the image that was captured in Block 1210. Theprocessing circuitry 410,910 uses an OCR capability to determine thecharacters in within the image of the vehicle license plate. In certainembodiments, the processing circuitry 410,910 is configured to determinea color of the car bearing the license plate in the image.

In block 1220, the processing circuitry 410 or 910 compares one or moretargeted license plate numbers to the string of characters recognized inimage of the vehicle license plate. When the string of charactersrecognized in image of the vehicle license plate is substantiallysimilar to or equal to a targeted license plate number, the controlsystem moves to block 1225. When matching license plate number is found,the control system moves to block 1205. In certain embodiments, theprocessing circuitry 410,910 looks for matching colors by comparing thecolor of the car to the color in the AMBER alert.

In block 1225, the control system 900 sends location information and thevehicle information to a computer within the network 495 or a networkuser. The vehicle information includes the color of the vehicle, thestring of characters recognized in the image of the vehicle licenseplate. The location information includes the location of the DER. Incertain embodiments, the vehicle information includes the velocity{right arrow over (v)} of the vehicle.

FIG. 13 illustrates a process 1300 for sequentially transmittingsegments of a data file to a mobile station based on projectedgeographical location of the mobile station according to embodiments ofthe present disclosure. While the flow chart depicts a series ofsequential steps, unless explicitly stated, no inference should be drawnfrom that sequence regarding specific order of performance, performanceof steps or portions thereof serially rather than concurrently or in anoverlapping manner, or performance of the steps depicted exclusivelywithout the occurrence of intervening or intermediate steps. The processdepicted in the example depicted is implemented by a processingcircuitry in, for example, a data expansion roadway device.

In block 1305, mobile terminal 860 sends a request to the DER 100 todownload a file from the network 495. In certain embodiments, the mobileterminal can be associated with a user that is not within a motorvehicle 800. The DER 100 receives the request to download a file fromthe mobile terminal 860.

In block 1310, the control system 400 of the DER retrieves the requestedfile from the network 495 via the control unit 905 and the backhaulnetwork 480. The processing circuitry 910 of the controller unit 905 a-dis configured to receive request to retrieve a file from the network495. In response to receiving the request to retrieve the file, thecontroller unit 905 a-d retrieves the file from a location within thenetwork 495. The processing circuitry 910 of the controller unit 905 a-dis configured to determine the number of file segments into which theretrieved file is divided. The processing circuitry 910 is configured toassemble scrambled file segments into a time dependent sequential orderwhen the retrieved file is divided in to file segments and transmittedout of time dependent order for increased the speed of transmission. Forexample, a movie file may be divided into four file segments A-D. Thenetwork computer storage of the movie file may transmit to thecontroller unit 905 a the file segment A (containing the first 10minutes of the movie), followed by the file segment D (containing thefourth 10 minutes of the movie), then file segment C (containing thethird 10 minutes of the movie), and then file segment B (containing thesecond 10 minutes of the movie). The processing circuitry 910 uses amarker within each file segment to determine the time dependent order ofthe file segments, such as determining that file segment A contains thefirst portion of the file. The processing circuitry 910 assembles filesegment D to be immediately follow file segment C; assembles filesegment C to be immediately follow file segment B; and assembles filesegment B to be immediately follow file segment A. That is, processingcircuitry 910 receives a scrambled set of file segments {A, D, C, B} andassembles the file segments into a time dependent sequence {A, B, C, D}.

In block 1315, the controller unit 905 a determines the number of filesegments to be transferred to the mobile station 860. In some instances,the computer (within the network 495) from which the controller unit 905a retrieves the file divided the file into a number of file segmentsbefore the controller unit 905 a retrieved the file. In some instances,the controller unit 905 a retrieves the requested file from the computer(within the network 495) as one large undivided file. The controllerunit 905 a is configured to divide the retrieved file into a number offile segments to hasten transmission of the retrieved file to the mobilestation 860. The controller unit 905 a is configured to further dividethe retrieved file segments into a larger number of file segments tohasten the transmission.

Also in block 1315, the controller unit 905 a determines a sequence inwhich the file segments should be transferred to the mobile station 860.For example, the controller unit 905 can determine to first transmit twosmall, non-consecutive (e.g., file segments A and D) to a DER 100, andnext transmit a single file segment C.

In block 1320, the DER 100 broadcasts RADAR signals 1320, such as inblock 1105. In block 1325, the DER 100 receives reflected return radarsignals, such as in block 1110. In block 1330, the processing circuitry410, 910 of the DER or the controller unit 905 a determines the velocity{right arrow over (v)} of the vehicle 800, such as in block 1115.

In block 1335, the controller unit 905 a determines a schedule of timesat which each file segment should be transmitted to the mobile terminal860 from a DER 100. The controller unit 905 a makes this determinationby using the speed and direction of the vehicle 800 that was determinedin step 1330, by using the speed of data transfer, and by using the sizeand number of file segments to be transferred. For example, thecontroller unit 905 a determines that at a first time t1, the filetransfer should begin by transferring file segment A to the mobileterminal 860 and should end before t2. That is, each scheduled filetransfer should end before the next schedule file transfer begins. At asecond time t2, file segment B should be transferred to the mobileterminal 860. At a third time t3, file segment C should be transferredto the mobile terminal 860. At a fourth time t4, the last file segment Dshould be transferred to the mobile terminal 860.

In block 1340, the controller unit 905 a determines projected locationsof the vehicle 800 based on the velocity {right arrow over (v)} of thevehicle. For example, a first reference time t1, the controller unit 905a determines that the vehicle 800 is located at a first location L1using the reflected RADAR signals of block 1325. The controller unit 905a calculates a forecast of the locations of the vehicle 800 at times t2,t3, and t4 (as scheduled in block 1335). The controller unit 905 acalculates that the vehicle 800 will be located at projected location L2at time t2, will be located at projected location L3 at time t3, andwill be located at projected location L4 at time t4.

In block 1345, the controller unit 905 a determines which control unitwould be coupled to the mobile station at each scheduled filed transfertime. The determination is based on the velocity {right arrow over (v)}of the vehicle. For example, the controller unit 905 a is coupled to themobile station 860 via the first set of DERs 610 a determines that at afirst time t1, and that the first controller unit 905 a should instructthe first set of DERs 610 a to begin transferring file segment A to themobile terminal 860. The controller unit 905 a determines that at asecond time t2; that the second controller unit 905 b will be coupled tothe mobile station 860 via the second set of DERs 610 b and shouldinstruct the second set of DERs 610 b to begin transferring file segmentB to the mobile terminal 860. The controller unit 905 a determines thatat a third time t3; that the third controller unit 905 c will be coupledto the mobile station 860 via the third set of DERs 610 c and shouldinstruct the third set of DERs 610 c to begin transferring file segmentC to the mobile terminal 860. The controller unit 905 a determines thatat a fourth time t4; that the fourth controller unit 905 d will becoupled to the mobile station 860 via the fourth set of DERs 610 d andshould instruct the fourth set of DERs 610 d to begin transferring filesegment D to the mobile terminal 860.

In block 1350, the control unit 905 a causes each control unit 905 a-dto receive an assigned file segment to be transferred by that controlunit to the mobile station. The control unit 905 a uses thedetermination of block 1345 that the file segment B is assigned to betransferred by the second controller unit 905 b. Accordingly, thecontroller unit 905 a causes the second controller unit 905 b to receivethe second file segment to be transferred, file segment B. Likewise, thecontroller unit 905 a causes the third controller unit 905 c to receivethe third file segment to be transferred, file segment C. The controllerunit 905 a causes the fourth controller unit 905 d to receive the fourthfile segment to be transferred, file segment D.

In certain embodiments, the controller unit 905 a causes the secondcontroller 905 b to receive the assigned file segment by sending theassigned file segment to the second controller 905 b via mutualcoupling. In certain embodiments, the controller unit 905 a causes thesecond controller 905 b to receive the assigned file segment by sendingan signal to the second controller 905 b instructing the secondcontroller 905 b to retrieve the assigned file segment from the network.

In block 1355, the controller unit 905 a instructs each control unit 905a-d to transfer the respective assigned file segment to the mobilestation 860 at the scheduled time (according to the schedule of block1335).

FIG. 14 illustrates a process for controlling traffic signals and safetydevices according to embodiments of the present disclosure. While theflow chart depicts a series of sequential steps, unless explicitlystated, no inference should be drawn from that sequence regardingspecific order of performance, performance of steps or portions thereofserially rather than concurrently or in an overlapping manner, orperformance of the steps depicted exclusively without the occurrence ofintervening or intermediate steps. The process depicted in the exampledepicted is implemented by a processing circuitry in, for example, adata expansion roadway device.

In certain embodiments, a data expansion device (DED) is configured tocommunicate with or control traffic control or safety devices, or both.The traffic control or safety devices can include street lights,pedestrian lights, parking lot lights, traffic signals, traffic controlgates, and the like. The traffic control or safety devices can be in asleep or idle state and activate in response to an approaching vehicleor pedestrian. For example, a street light can be in an idle state, suchas in a low energy state or off even though it is during a night timehour and ambient light levels would dictate that the streetlight shouldbe on. As a vehicle or pedestrian approaches, the streetlight receives asignal from the DED that causes the streetlight to transition to anactive state and activate in sufficient time to properly illuminate arespective area or section of the road. After the vehicle or pedestrianpasses through the area or section of road, the streetlight receivesanother signal from the DED to return to the idle state.

In block 1405, a data expansion device (DED), such as DER 100, detectsan on-coming vehicle. The DED can be configured as any one of the DER's100 shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B and 3C and include controlsystem 400 shown in FIG. 4, or DER system 900 shown in FIG. 9. The DEDis coupled to one or more traffic control or safety devices, or signage,or a combination of these in the area. For example, the DED can becoupled to a traffic signal at a proximate intersection, coupled to oneor more street lights or traffic signs that are designed to illuminate asection of road that includes or is proximate to the DED, or coupled toone or more billboards or pedestrian lights that are designed toilluminate a section of walkway that includes or is proximate to theDED. The traffic control or safety devices, or signage may be in a sleepstate such that, even though the ambient light is low enough to requireartificial illumination, such as during night time hours, the trafficcontrol or safety devices, or signage are in an off-state or otherlow-voltage consumption state in which minimal illumination is generatedor minimal power consumed for operation. As an example, a traffic signalmay be in an idle state in which the signals in one direction areflashing yellow and the signals in another direction are flashing red,or the traffic signal may be configured to have the lights in onedirection off or set to green and the lights in another direction set tored, or any other suitable variation as determined by transportationofficials. The DED can be a single DER 100 or be a part of a system ofDERs 100, such as shown in FIGS. 6 and 10. The DER 100 detects anoncoming vehicle or pedestrian. The DED can detect the on-coming vehicleor pedestrian via a communication signal with a mobile device includedin the vehicle or carried by the pedestrian. In certain embodiments, themobile device is in previous communication with the DED or a system ofDERs 100 that include the DED. In certain embodiments, the mobile devicehas been handed over from another DER 100 or system of DERs 100. The DEDalso can detect the on-coming vehicle or pedestrian via the RADAR unit415 or camera 425.

In block 1410, the DED transmits a control signal to the trafficcontrols or safety devices, or signage, or a combination of these in thearea. The control signal can be a signal indicting that the recipientdevices needs to activate or transition to an active mode or and be asignal directing the recipient device how to operate. For example, whenthe DED detects an oncoming emergency response vehicle, the DED cantransmit the control signal to a traffic signal to indicate to it thatthe light facing the oncoming emergency response vehicle should be greenand the others red. As another example, the control signal can cause thestreet lights to illuminate in a section of roadway on which the vehicleis about to traverse. In certain embodiments, the DED activates thetraffic controls or safety devices, or signage, or a combination ofthese in the area in stages. The DED computes the vehicle speed anddetermines a number of traffic signals and street lights to activatebased on the expected arrival time of the vehicle in a certain area. Assuch, the DED can minimize energy consumption until such energy isrequired to illuminate the specified roadway. In certain embodiments,when the DED detects that a pedestrian is approaching, the DED activatespedestrian lights and crosswalk signals, while appropriately controllingthe traffic signals, to enable the pedestrian to safely traverse thewalkway. In certain such embodiments, the street lights may not beactivated. Alternatively, when detecting a vehicle and no pedestrian,the DED can transmit one or more control signals that cause the trafficcontrol devices and street lights to activate while leaving thepedestrian lights dormant. In certain embodiments, when the DED detectsa subscribed member, such as by identifying an identifier in the mobiledevice or in response to a communication between the mobile device andthe DED, the DED transmits the control signal corresponding to a userprofile. For example, based on a known address of the subscriber memberin the user profile, the DED can compute a most probable route for thevehicle or pedestrian and communicate with various traffic controldevices, lights, signage and other DERs 100 to coordinate illuminationalong the path. In certain embodiments, based on a most probable path,or in response to communication from the mobile device coupled to anavigation system having a planned route, the DED communicates with oneor more other DERs 100, such as other DER chains, to determine trafficcongestion and uncongested alternative routes. In certain suchembodiments, the route calculations are performed in a central server orin an access point, such as node 407.

In block 1415, the respective traffic controls, safety devices, orsignage in the area operate in response to the control signal. Based onthe control signal, the traffic controls, safety devices, or signagetransition to an active state or operational mode. The devices canilluminate such that one or more devices are active while others areinactive. The devices can illuminate for a specified period of time oruntil a second control signal is received instructing deactivation ofthe device. In certain embodiment, in response to the control signal,one or more billboards operate and display specified advertisements ormessages, such as public service announcements.

In block 1420, the respective traffic controls, safety devices, orsignage in the area are returned to an idle, off or low energyconsumption state. In certain embodiments, the respective trafficcontrols, safety devices, or signage in the area remain on for aspecified period of time. In certain embodiments, the DED calculates atime period for the respective traffic controls, safety devices, orsignage in the area to remain in the active states and communicates suchtime period as part of the control signal. In certain embodiments, afterthe time period has elapsed, the DED transmits a second control signalto the respective traffic controls, safety devices, or signage in thearea causing the respective traffic controls, safety devices, or signagein the area to transition to the idle, off or low energy consumptionstate. In certain embodiments, the DED detects that the vehicle orpedestrian has left the area and transmits the second control signalcausing the respective traffic controls, safety devices, or signage inthe area to transition to the idle, off or low energy consumption state.In certain embodiments, when a second or subsequent DED detects the samevehicle or pedestrian, such as via an identification of an identifier inthe mobile device, the DED transmits the second control signal to therespective traffic controls, safety devices, or signage in the areacausing the respective traffic controls, safety devices, or signage inthe area to transition to the idle, off or low energy consumption state.

FIG. 15 illustrates a process for detecting and reporting objectsaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure. While the flow chartdepicts a series of sequential steps, unless explicitly stated, noinference should be drawn from that sequence regarding specific order ofperformance, performance of steps or portions thereof serially ratherthan concurrently or in an overlapping manner, or performance of thesteps depicted exclusively without the occurrence of intervening orintermediate steps. The process depicted in the example depicted isimplemented by a processing circuitry in, for example, a data expansionroadway device.

In certain embodiments, a second (i.e., another) DED in communicationwith the DED that detects a presence of a pedestrian to a nearbyvehicle. That is, in accordance with the principles herein, the secondDED is in communication with a vehicle or mobile device within thevehicle. The second DED communicates the presence of the pedestrianbased on the information reported by the first DED, which detected thepedestrian, and based on the location of the first DED that detected thepedestrian. For example, the second DED can be aware of the location ofthe first DED that detected the pedestrian and, as such, determine thatthe pedestrian and the vehicle are in a near proximity although a driverof the vehicle and the pedestrian may be otherwise unaware of eachother.

In block 1505, a data expansion device (DED), such as a first DER 100,detects an object near the device. The object may be a pedestrian, groupof pedestrians, cyclist, vehicle, animal, or any object that has movedinto proximity of the first DED. The first DED can be configured as anyone of the DER's 100 shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B and 3Cand include control system 400 shown in FIG. 4, or DER system 900 shownin FIG. 9. The first DED is coupled to one or more other DEDs, such asvia DER network 600, or coupled to one or more traffic control or safetydevices, or signage, or a combination of these in the area. For example,the DED can be a single DER 100 or be a part of a system of DERs 100,such as shown in FIGS. 6 and 10. The first DER 100 detects an object. Incertain embodiments, the first DER 100 include one or more sensors, suchas motion, infrared or other optical, that can detect the object basedon the movement of the object approaching the first DER 100. In certainembodiments, the first DER 100 includes one or sensors, such as motion,thermal, optical, infrared, that detect an object when the object iswithin a certain distance from the first DER 100. The first DER 100 alsocan detect the on-coming vehicle or pedestrian via the RADAR unit 415 orcamera 425.

In block 1510, the first DER 100 transmits information regarding thedetected object to one or more neighbor devices. The information can bea signal indicting that the object is detected. In certain embodiments,the information includes attribute information regarding the object,such as speed and direction the object is moving, size of the object, oran image of the object. For example, when the first DER 100 detects anoncoming object, the first DER 100 can capture a picture of the objectand determine its speed and direction. The first DER 100 then cancommunicate the image of the object and the determined speed anddirection to the neighbor DERs in a likely path of the object or everyneighbor DER. In certain such embodiments, the first DER 100communicates the information to a central server or to an access pointand route calculations are performed in the central server or in theaccess point, such as node 407.

In block 1515, the first DER 100, or one of the neighbor DERs identifiesthat a subscriber mobile device also is in proximity the respective DER.Based on the proximity of the subscriber mobile device, the respectiveDER communicates detected object information. In certain embodiments,the detected object information is the same as the information regardingthe detected object, as discussed herein above. In certain embodiments,the detected object information includes information identifying acurrent or projected location of the object. In certain embodiments, thedetected object information is displayed on a display of the subscribermobile device and, optionally, includes an audible signal warning thatcan be broadcast from a speaker in or coupled to the subscriber mobiledevice. In certain embodiments, the DERs include an illumination elementconfigured to provide a visual indication that the presence of theobject has been detected. For example, upon receiving the informationregarding the detected object from the first DER 100, the respective DERactivates the illumination element to provide a visual indication to anyindividuals in proximity, including a user of the subscriber mobiledevice. The DERs can illuminate for a specified period of time or untila second signal is received instructing deactivation of the DER, such asin response to the object leaving a proximity of the DERs. The DERs canbe configured with multicolor illumination devices, such as a multicolorlight emitting diode (LED), configured to provide a visual indication indifferent colors. For example, the DERs can use a first color toindicate a moving object, a second color for a stationery object, athird color for an approaching object, a fifth color for a retreatingobject, a sixth color to indicate a possible collision course with thedetected object, flashing same or different colors for certainconditions, and so forth for any of a number of different specifiedconditions. For example, the illumination element can include a colourchanging LED assembly that is capable of emitting different colors inresponse to different signals or different applied voltages. That is,each colour changing LED includes at least three LEDs in a package alongwith a small computer or processor to drive them. The three LEDs includea red LED, a green LED and a blue LED, each of which can be controlledby a microcontroller or processor. A similar assembly can be used forthe other types of light sources.

In certain embodiment, the DERs are configured to not communicatedetected object information to the subscriber mobile device upon adetermination by the DER that the detected object is the subscribermobile device. For example, one or more of the DERS can compareinformation in the detected object information (or information regardingthe detected object) with information regarding the subscriber mobiledevice. For example, a second DER 100 can compare a physical location ofthe detected object received from the first DER 100 with positioninformation of a subscriber mobile device in communication with thesecond DER 100 and determine the positions or speed and direction match.After determining the object is the subscriber mobile device, the secondDER 100 refrains from sending any detected object information to thesubscriber mobile device. In certain embodiments, the second DER 100communicates the determination that the object is the subscriber mobiledevice to another neighbor DER, such as a third DER 100. The third DER100 is configured to then provide additional detected object informationto another subscriber mobile device regarding a presence of thesubscriber mobile device.

In block 1520, upon a determination that the object is no longer inproximity, the first DER 100 returns to an idle, observation, ordetection ready state, off or low energy consumption state. The firstDER 100 can deactivate any illumination devices are transition a colorof the illumination devices for a specified period of time to indicatethat an object recently was in the area but is now departed.

Although various features have been shown in the figures and describedabove, various changes may be made to the figures. For example, thesize, shape, arrangement, and layout of components shown in FIGS. 1through 6 and 8 are for illustration only. Each component could have anysuitable size, shape, and dimensions, and multiple components could haveany suitable arrangement and layout. Also, various components in FIGS. 1through 6 could be combined, further subdivided, or omitted andadditional components could be added according to particular needs. Forinstance, a system using GTDs could support only cellular or satellitecommunications. Further, each component in a device or system could beimplemented using any suitable structure(s) for performing the describedfunction(s). In addition, while FIGS. 7, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15illustrate various series of steps, various steps in FIGS. 7, 11, 12,13, 14 and 15 could overlap, occur in parallel, occur multiple times, oroccur in a different order.

Although an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has beendescribed in detail, those skilled in the art will understand thatvarious changes, substitutions, variations, and improvements disclosedherein may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of thedisclosure in its broadest form.

None of the description in the present application should be read asimplying that any particular element, step, or function is an essentialelement which must be included in the claim scope: the scope of patentedsubject matter is defined only by the allowed claims. Moreover, none ofthese claims are intended to invoke paragraph six of 35 USC §112 unlessthe exact words “means for” are followed by a participle.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a first traffic controldevice comprising processing circuitry configured to couple via a firstWiFi network to a first mobile terminal in a first vehicle and to coupleto a backhaul network through a first communication interface, whereinfirst vehicle attribute information is provided from the first mobileterminal to the first traffic control device via the first WiFi network,and wherein the first vehicle attribute information comprises firstvehicle location, speed or direction information; and a second trafficcontrol device communicatively coupled to the first traffic controldevice and configured to detect a presence of an object in the proximityof the second traffic control device and to detect object attributeinformation comprising object location, speed and direction information;wherein the second traffic control device is configured to communicatethe presence of the object and the object attribute information to anetwork controller connected to the backhaul network, the first trafficcontrol device, or a third traffic control device.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein each of the first and second traffic control devicescomprise a roadway reflector; a pedestrian pathway marker; a streetsign; a traffic signal; or a streetlight.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein a connection between the first traffic control device and thesecond traffic control device comprises a daisy chain.
 4. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the third traffic control device comprises a trafficsignal, street lights, pedestrian lights, crosswalk signals, safetysignage or a billboard.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the objectcomprises a vehicle, a pedestrian, or an animal.
 6. The system of claim1, wherein the vehicle comprises a moving vehicle and the second trafficcontrol device is configured to: communicatively receive from the firsttraffic control device the first vehicle attribute information via thebackhaul network or a daisy chain connection; compare the first vehicleattribute information with the object attribute information anddetermine whether the first vehicle is on a possible collision coursewith the object; and wherein when a possible collision of the vehiclewith the object is determined, communicate possible collisioninformation to the network controller connected to the backhaul network,the first traffic control device, or the third traffic control device.7. The system of claim 6, wherein a safety device or sign proximate to apath of the first vehicle's possible collision with the object and incommunication with the backhaul network, the first traffic controldevice, or the third traffic control device is activated upon receipt ofthe possible collision information from the second traffic controldevice.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first traffic controldevice is configured to communicate the detected presence of the objectand the detected object attribute information to the first mobileterminal in the first vehicle.
 9. A method comprising communicating overa first WiFi network, by a first traffic control device, with a firstmobile terminal in a first vehicle; detecting, by a second trafficcontrol device communicatively coupled to the first traffic controldevice by a backhaul network or a daisy chain, a presence of an objectin proximity of the second traffic control device and object attributeinformation comprising object location, speed and direction information;and communicating, by the second traffic control device, the presence ofthe object and the object attribute information to a network controllerconnected to the backhaul network, the first traffic control device, ora third traffic control device.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein eachof the first and second traffic control devices comprise a roadwayreflector, a pedestrian pathway marker, a street sign, a traffic signalor a streetlight.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the third trafficcontrol device comprises a traffic signal, street lights, pedestrianlights, crosswalk signals, safety signage or a billboard.
 12. The methodof claim 9, wherein the object comprises a vehicle, a pedestrian, or ananimal.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein detecting the presence of theobject in proximity of the second traffic control device and the objectattribute information comprises: detecting, using a motion sensor, amoving object in the proximity of the second traffic control device;determining by the motion sensor the object attribute information;receiving the first vehicle attribute information from the backhaulnetwork or a daisy chain connection with the first traffic controldevice; comparing the first vehicle attribute information with theobject attribute information and determining whether the first vehicleis on a possible collision course with the object; and when a possiblecollision of the first vehicle with the object is determined,communicating information regarding the possible collision course to thenetwork controller connected to the backhaul network, the first trafficcontrol device, or the third traffic control device.
 14. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising: in response to the communication ofinformation regarding the possible collision course, activating, atleast one safety device or sign that is proximate to the path of thefirst vehicle's possible collision with the object, the at least onesafety device or sign being in communication with the backhaul network,the first traffic control device, or the third traffic control device.15. The method of claim 9, further comprising: communicating, by thefirst traffic control device, the detected presence of the object inproximity to the second traffic control device and the object attributeinformation to the mobile device in the first vehicle via the WiFinetwork.
 16. A first roadway device comprising: a wireless transceiverconfigured to communicate with an electronic device in a vehicle using aWiFi network; a communication interface configured to communicativelycouple to a second roadway communication device using a backhaul networkor a daisy chain connection; processing circuitry configured to: detecta presence of an object in proximity of the first roadway device andfurther determine object attribute information comprising an objectlocation, speed, or direction of the detected object; and communicatethe detected presence of the object and the determined object attributeinformation to a network controller connected to the backhaul network orthe second roadway device; and a housing configured to contain theprocessing circuitry, communication interface and the wirelesstransceiver.
 17. The roadway device of claim 16, wherein the housingcomprises a roadway reflector, a pedestrian pathway marker, a streetsign, a traffic signal or a streetlight.
 18. The roadway device of claim16, wherein the second roadway device comprises a traffic signal, streetlights, pedestrian lights, crosswalk signals, safety signage or abillboard.
 19. The roadway device of claim 16, wherein the objectcomprises a vehicle, a pedestrian, or an animal.
 20. The roadway deviceof claim 16, wherein the vehicle comprises a moving vehicle and theprocessing circuitry is further configured to: determine vehicleattribute information comprising vehicle location, vehicle speed orvehicle direction of travel; and communicate the vehicle attributeinformation to the network controller connected to the backhaul networkor the second roadway device.
 21. The roadway device of claim 20,wherein in response to the vehicle attribute information, the processingcircuitry is configured to cause one or more safety devices or signs inproximity of the second roadway device to be activated.
 22. The roadwaydevice of claim 16, wherein the processing circuitry is furtherconfigured to communicate, via the wireless transceiver, informationregarding the presence of the object to the electronic device in thefirst vehicle.
 23. The roadway device of claim 20, wherein theprocessing circuitry is further configured to determine the vehiclespeed, the vehicle direction of travel or vehicle location from vehicleinformation communicated from the electronic device in the vehicle usingthe WiFi communication network.